Camp 2009 (with a few pictures now)

As you know, I was out at Young Women's Camp in DeLand, FL last week. I was the leader over the 12-year-old, first-time campers and it was an experience. I had some real...how shall I say it?..."quirky" girls that made the week amusing, spritual and fun, and not just outrageously sweaty and hot. Plus, I got to hang out with my girlfriends and have a sleepover 5 nights in a row- when do you ever get to do that as an adult, right? (Me and Michelle are pictured at left.) It was a great time. I laughed so hard all week long. There were so many classic moments- most of them are the "you had to be there" kind of thing, but, I will share with you now how truth is stranger than fiction. I brought home a totally true Top Ten list for your enjoyment. (Thanks Erika for the picture!!)

***I do need to say first that despite the humorous intent of the top ten list below, the testimony meeting was very spiritual and the girls really did grow a lot this past week. The testimonies were sweet and touching. Many of the girls got up and bore testimony for the first time in their lives. It was a great success. However, looking back on that meeting Friday night, the only way to describe it is to say that I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat! Truly this was one for the ages...

TOP TEN FAVORITE WORDS/PHRASES FROM TESTIMONY MEETING AT YOUNG WOMEN'S CAMP (these are all totally true!!)

10. Mini gangster
9. Crap
8. Hunger strike
7. Spinal cord wrapped around its head
6. Chunky
5. Little balls of joy
4. Cardboard box
3. Wait, pretend I didn't say that
2. The guy with the stones
1. Crying midget baby

I still can't read number one without laughing. It's a jewel. Anyway, camp was a huge success- lots of laughing, singing, canoing, swimming, crafting, hanging out, searching for things that got stolen, attending classes, you know, the usual stuff. We even had a cute little baby gator (Joe) that we got to see pretty much every day out under the dock on the lake. Good times. And Jacob was a pro the whole week I was gone- the kids were well taken care of and totally survived. Even though when I called home on Monday night, Cindy did throw up on the phone while I was talking to her. A nervous moment for me, but she recovered like a champ and a had a good week. I really did have a good week too. I loved being around the girls and I even did get to go running two mornings and swam laps on another. Not bad for being away from home and anything that remotely resembles your own normal schedule! I did not take my camera to camp so as soon as I find out what President Padgett's blog address is I will steal some official camp photos off of it and post them for you. Until next time, campers!


The lake and the dock. Stole this pic from one of my Beehives, Brandi. :)